Solar Panel Cost Guide in Urbandale, IA (2024 Update)
- Urbandale Solar Installation Cost: $26,827
- 25-Year Savings: $19,228
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Urbandale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Urbandale.
In Urbandale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Urbandale, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,827, or $38,363 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Urbandale find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Urbandale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,760 |
| 3 years | $-23,624 |
| 5 years | $-21,488 |
| 7 years | $-19,352 |
| 9 years | $-17,216 |
| 11 years | $-15,081 |
| 13 years | $-12,945 |
| 15 years | $-10,809 |
| 17 years | $-8,673 |
| 19 years | $-6,538 |
| 21 years | $-4,402 |
| 23 years | $-2,266 |
| 25 years | $-130 |
Top Solar Installers in Urbandale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Urbandale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Urbandale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Urbandale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Urbandale have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Urbandale know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $6,189 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $8,702 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $11,438 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $14,400 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $17,586 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $20,996 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $24,631 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $28,491 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Urbandale, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Urbandale?
The average cost of solar panels in Urbandale is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Urbandale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Urbandale. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.